Page 10 of Trust

Maybe the apocalypse had begun without him noticing. What other explanation could there be for Olivia ignoring the man so few could?

“I can make you soup, just in case,” Olivia said, taking his hand. “Getting sick while your brother is here would be such a bummer.”

“Not necessary.”

“I like soup,” Asher called out.

Olivia ignored the comment, and he bit back a snicker when he noticed Asher’s incredulous expression. He’d never been rejected within the continental United States by any female between the ages of eight of eighty, and bearing witness to the first occurrence wasn’t…horrible.

He squeezed Olivia’s hand and then released it. “We’re going to head back to the house.”

“Okay.” She played with the ends of her hair and smiled. “Thanks for returning my sweet dog. I don’t know why she’s suddenly become besotted with you.”

“Me either.” He watched her bite her bottom lip and tried to clear the lust rolling in like a freight train along with several filthy ideas that popped up uninvited. “So, we’ll be going...”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Absolutely.”

“Because if you two wanted to hang out, I could make sandwiches or something.”

Unable to stop himself, he brushed a loose strand of hair away from her cheek. “We’ve got a ton of food at home.”

She let out a sigh. “Alright.”

He took another reluctant step back, gave Olivia a nod, and ignored the knowing look on his brother’s face. “Take care.”

“You, too.”

Asher stepped around his brother and headed toward the Hawker homestead. “I can’t watch this; it’s too damn painful.”

He watched confusion color Olivia’s face. “Ignore him.” Spinning around before he made more of an idiot of himself, he strode toward his house and vowed to keep his distance.

Again.

The birds chirped happily in the jacaranda trees that lined Main Street, and Olivia figured they were singing their hearts out because spring had finally arrived, and mating season was in full swing.

Feeling optimistic, she waved to the town mayor and then pushed through the screen door of her mother’s health food shop. “Hi, Mom.”

“Hello, Livy bear, what brings you to town? I thought you were under a deadline and chained to your studio.”

“I am and should be finishing the drawings as we speak.”

Elaine moved around a display case with essential oils and pressed her hand to Olivia’s head. “You look flushed; are you feeling okay?”

“Yes, it’s just…my neighbor…”

“Did you finally meet Nan’s elusive grandson?”

“I did, indeed.” Seeing a hundred questions light up her mother’s pretty face, she knew an inquisition was imminent.

“Has the man decided to stay in residence and teach those unhappy spirits who’s boss?”

“I think so if the renovation he’s started on the kitchen is any indication.”

Tipping her daughter’s chin up, Elaine clucked her tongue. “Bright eyes, rosy cheeks, and a smile that can’t be stopped. Does the recluse at the end of Lady Bug Lane have my daughter smitten?”

“Soooooo smitten, Mom.” She swung her hands from side to side and let out a little squeak. “Something about him has captivated me, and I’m reluctant to admit how much he’s dominated my thoughts since Monday.”

---